'Til (Potentially Imminent) Death Do Us Part: Suspenseful Reads for Romantics

I am drawn to love stories set against a background of something big, something dangerous. A friendship formed in a foxhole can last a lifetime; a relationship forged while facing a common enemy can ignite sudden passion. It all comes down to human nature: We have a better chance of survival if we aren't alone—and our lizard brains know this even if our modern-day sensibilities are screaming at us to be more cautious.

How can I not love romantic suspense? I love the excitement, the adrenaline rush, the passion in the face of death and destruction. I love how people rise above their own self-interest to do what needs to be done. Crisis brings out both the best and the worst in people, and romantic suspense is the perfect box of crayons to show this.

I have favorite romantic suspense writers, of course I do. It's impossible to list them all, but four influential ones spring to mind. In their books, there's romance, and there's suspense. The added elements of fantasy or whatever else only add to those two key building blocks.

First up is Karen Robards. I love me some Robards. I particularly enjoyed her Dr. Charlotte Stone series, beginning with The Last Victim. The love interest in the series is a criminal-turned-ghost. Think there can't be a happily ever after with a ghost? Oh yes there can, and Robards nails it. I'm also enjoying her new series about Bianca St. Ives, a female Jason Bourne-type, who made her debut in The Ultimatum. I can't wait for the second book!

Then there's the legendary Nora Roberts. While I enjoy everything she writes, I particularly love the In Death series (published under her J.D. Robb pseudonym), which is essentially a futuristic police-procedure series, but for me it's all about the relationship between the main characters, Eve and Rourke.

And Thea Harrison! Her Elder series hooked me right from the beginning. Not only is her writing beautiful, but the relationships are stellar. So what if there are fairies and dragons and vampires? The books are about love, set against a fantasy background of suspense. Dragon Bound, the first book in the series, is one I often reread. Who wouldn't want to have a dragon fall in love with you? Especially when there's a battle going on!

Finally, Ilona Andrews and her Kate Daniels series, which begins with Magic Bites. The series is gritty and sometimes heartbreaking, but hero Kate keeps fighting, even against overwhelming odds. And when she finds love with Curran, the connections formed give her more strength, more to fight for, and a mighty ally.

Want to feel your pulse pound and your heart race? Add all of Howard's recommendations to your Want to Read shelf.